HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Council 042299• CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS
CITY COUNCIL
WORKSHOP MEETING
APRIL 22, 1999
The April 22, 1999, workshop meeting of the City Council of the
City of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, was called to order at 7:30
P.M. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Complex located
at 10500 North Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida; and
opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
ROLL CALL The City Clerk called the roll and the following elected officials
were found to be in attendance: Mayor Joseph R. Russo, Vice
Mayor Lauren Furtado, Councilman Eric Jablin, Councilman David
Clark, and Councilman Carl Sabatello.
CITY MANAGER REPORT City Manager Herakovich reported 400 children had attended the
Earth Day tree planting event and that St. Mark's School had raised
$60 for the tree. The City Manager announced that WCI had paid
$375,000 to the City as the first condition of their forbearance
• agreement. City Manager Herakovich reported the PGA Corridor
Group had met and reviewed the flyover design; an objection was
anticipated from Lohemann's Plaza regarding their traffic access;
and the group did not support the proposed DOT staging area in
front of the Medical mall at the corner of Alternate A -1 -A and PGA
Boulevard. An Executive Session of the City Council was set for
May 6 at 6:30 p.m. Problems with fencing for the municipal
complex were reported for which the City Manager anticipated
quick resolution.
PRESENTATIONS
Recreation Advisory Board
Recommendations for
Urban Park David Barth of Glatting Jackson Kercher Anglin Lopez and
Rinehart presented elements recommended for a proposed urban
park west of the Gardens Mall, including connections to
surrounding land uses via streets, sidewalks, and bikepaths, views
of the lake, access to public transportation, a mix of uses, public
access from adjacent public streets, an interactive playground,
public art, an interactive fountain, an amphitheatre for public
gatherings, utilities and design to accommodate public events with
concessions and vendors, public restrooms, and top quality building
• materials in street lights, benches, etc. Mayor Russo expressed
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concern whether people would drive to the mall complex to get to
this particular site, whether the City would have to purchase the
land, and whether the concept would be successful. Vice Mayor
Furtado expressed her opinion that a gathering place was needed in
this area and that the stores would not be in competition with the
stores inside the mall. Councilman Sabatello commented that he
did not believe the City belonged in the business of coordinating
with a developer and becoming a part of his business, and
expressed concern that many of these types of town centers were
unsuccessful. Councilman Sabatello expressed his opinion that a
better location for an amphitheatre and public events would be at
the district park off Central Boulevard. Councilman Clark
expressed his opinion that parks were needed on the east side of the
City near PGA Boulevard and that this concept should be pursued
as a different kind of park. Vice Mayor Furtado urged support for
the concept proposed, stating that the plan shown was merely an
idea of what could be developed. A WCI representative
commented that the six -acre parcel was for sale for public use;
however, there was a difference of opinion expressed by Ed Oliver,
who explained he had researched and learned that the mall site had
• been designated for public use but was not to be purchased by or
dedicated to the City. Mayor Russo expressed his opinion that the
site proposed for development by Mr. Catalfiuno would be a better
site. Mr. Barth explained the City's vision must be clear in order
to ask the private sector to deliver that vision in a way that would
be profitable. Dan Catalfumo requested direction for the use of the
six acres. Councilman Sabatello expressed his opinion that more
facts were needed. Vice Mayor Furtado explained that the purpose
of this presentation was to remind the City Council that the
residents wanted an urban cultural park site in accordance with the
visioning plan. Mr. Catalfiimo and Mr. Forbes were invited to
attend the next meeting on this subject, after research had been done
to determine whether the City was entitled to the site and to provide
alternatives.
Capital Improvement Plan
FY1999/2000 - 2003/2004 The City Manager explained the Capital Improvement Plan was a
planning tool and was updated annually. The plan was based on
taking care of existing buildings, infrastructure, etc., maintaining an
equal level of service to that currently in place, meeting
development demands for service, and proposing new programs and
• new services, in that order. The proposed tax increase was
approximately 8% because of Fire Station 3 and staffing needs.
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Finance Director Kent Olson explained that employees for the Fire
Station were proposed to be hired in phases. Mr. Olson discussed
how the proposed tax increase would impact homeowners, and
reviewed anticipated revenues from other areas. Vice Mayor
Furtado recommended a well - qualified grant writer to obtain more
grant money for the City, and explained that the Juvenile Justice
grant would continue. Proposed records management software and
a computer administrator were discussed. The services back to
residents for money spent was questioned. Another question was
where money was being saved in this budget. E- commerce to
provide services to residents in the future was discussed. Better
justification for requested staff positions was requested. The
Finance Director explained the need for an accountant. The
Human Resources Director explained that a periodic study to
determine whether the City's salaries were in line was due during
the next year. Growth Management Department personnel needs
were discussed. The need for streamlining Code Enforcement
paperwork was discussed. City Manager Herakovich explained that
no additional vehicles or Code Enforcement Officers had been
budgeted for the future. Code Enforcement Administrator Paul
Friedman reported that Code Enforcement had been working with
the Police and Fire Departments, which had been very successful.
The need for new Fire Station No. 3 was attributed to the need to
provide quicker response times for increased call volume. Sharing
transportation by different departments instead of constantly
purchasing additional vehicles was discussed. The Police Chief
FitzGerald explained that where possible, civilians were used to
replace police officers working in -house so that more officers could
be on the street. The Police Chief explained that a centralized
Northern Palm Beach County dispatch for fire, police and 911
could be in place within a couple of years, which would reduce
overtime paid to dispatchers. Concern was expressed that the
Public Works Department was becoming too large and that some
contractual work could be done. In response to a question of
whether medians, landscaping, and sidewalks could be included
with roadway improvements, it was explained that gas tax funding
was earmarked only to improve roadways. The City Manager
commented that in some older neighborhoods there would be
opposition to sidewalks. A report on the cost of median
maintenance was requested. A proposed private roadway mowing
contract so that current employees could be utilized for other duties
was discussed, as well as possibilities for other privatized work.
Mayor Russo questioned whether the City's commitment for
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development of the district park was expected before 2004. It was
explained that the County was no longer developing district parks,
but was giving the City approximately $3.5 million for the land
purchase. Recreation impact fees according to levels of service
were discussed. The City Manager stated staff would do a revenue
projection based on dwelling units to determine impact fees. Vice
Mayor Furtado commented that a missing link all across the
country was lack of things for kids to do, and Palm Beach Gardens
had started in the right direction by providing activities. The Vice
Mayor reminded the City Council that Mr. Fine had volunteered
design services for the teen center and requested that project not be
dropped. It was agreed to look at the program to see why there was
not much participation. The Vice Mayor expressed her opinion that
from the standpoint of safety an adult should be present at the
City's community centers weekends and nights, and suggested
staggering working hours of personnel or using adult volunteers.
Mayor Russo questioned whether current recreation and fire impact
fees were correct for the levels of service provided, and requested
an evaluation of current impact fees by the next meeting; and also
requested research into a facility component allowing funding for
future facilities and not just land donations. It was decided to
delay discussion of the golf course. Direction to staff was to do
whatever was possible to bring the budget costs down. Discussion
ensued regarding holding bond referendums, and not to hold one
every year. During discussion of a relocated and expanded Public
Works facility, it was agreed an analysis should be done before
making such a decision.
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CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING, 4/22/99
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APPROVAL:
ATTEST:
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There being no further business to discuss, upon motion by
Councilman Clark, seconded by Vice Mayor Furtado, the meeting
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LINDA V. KOSIER, CMC, CITY CLERK
CARL SABATELLO